HOBSON'S CHOICE Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

Hobson's choice

noun

Definition of Hobson's choice

as in coercion

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of Hobson's choice Read my lips, in a veritable Hobson's choice between person or thing, AI is a thing, for now. — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 June 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for Hobson's choice

Noun

House Bill 582, known as the Survivor Justice Act, allows courts to consider reduced sentences for victims of domestic violence or human trafficking who committed crimes under coercion.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Equality without liberty can become coercion in the name of fairness.

— Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of coercion

Noun

The country is also home to several minority groups that have clashed with regime forces in the past, including Kurdish militants, Arab and Baloch separatists, among others.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Sudo enters as the dominant force in the women’s division, seeking her 12th victory.

— Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of force

Noun

His passion for politics began at a young age and stemmed from his father who served in the Army and imparted values about duty and service.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026
Still, politicians require more scrutiny than most − particularly when their health directly impacts their ability to perform their duties.

— Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of duty

Noun

Then, in 2012, redevelopment agencies were dissolved by the state and their obligations transferred to successor agencies.

— Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Without a coordinated strategy, the cumulative risk can become significant even if each individual's obligation seems manageable.

— Blake Harris, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of obligation

Noun

The Washington Principles also recognize that many sales of artwork by Jews during the Nazi era occurred while they were being persecuted, or under duress.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 29 June 2026
The lawsuit says Meta is seeking $50,000 in damages for each time Wynn-Williams purportedly violates the non-disparagement agreement, putting her under financial duress.

— Barbara Ortutay, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of duress

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“Hobson's choice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/Hobson%27s%20choice. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of Hobson's choice

noun

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